Hi there! My name is Ashley, and I'm a rising senior studying Political Science and Philosophy at UCLA. As an international student who once toured campuses myself, I understand how valuable it is to find a place where you feel welcomed and excited about your future. I would love the opportunity to be your guide because I enjoy meeting new people, sharing my personal experiences navigating college life in a new city or country, and helping prospective students and their families get a genuine sense of what makes UCLA such a special community.

Hometown

Hanoi, Vietnam & Seoul, South Korea

Major(s)

Political Science

Minor(s)

Philosophy

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Korean American Student Association (KASA) - Member, Director, Chair Vietnamese Student Union (VSU) - Member Vietnamese Culture Night (VCN) - Cast Member Pre-Law Litigation Club - Events & Outreach Director AAPI Pre-Law Society - Event Coordinator & Editor for Pre-Law Journal

Describe your college experience

Coming to UCLA as an international student, I initially was overwhelmed by the new life and large campus ahead of me, as well as the challenge of finding where I belonged. Over the past three years, I've stepped outside my comfort zone by getting involved in student organizations, taking on leadership roles, and pursuing opportunities that have helped me grow in all areas - including personal and professional. I've built lasting friendships and found a community that has made UCLA truly feel like home. Through these experiences, UCLA has become more than just a university; it has become a community that has challenged, supported, and inspired me. As a tour guide, I'd love to help prospective students embrace the same sense of excitement and belonging that I found here.

Tip for future students

If I could give one piece of advice to future students, it would be to say "yes" to opportunities, even if they feel intimidating at first. Some of my most memorable experiences, closest friendships, and greatest moments of growth came from taking a risk, stepping out of my comfort zone, and getting involved on campus. It's also completely okay if you don't have everything figured out right away. College is the best time to explore, make mistakes, and figure out what it is exactly that brings you joy. Everyone's journey looks different, so don't compare yours to anyone else's.

Favorite class

A favorite class is hard to choose - but if I had to, I'd say I most enjoyed either Political Science 119: Special Studies in Jurisprudence, and Philosophy 4: Philosophical Analysis of Contemporary Moral Issues. Both courses challenged me to think critically about complex legal and ethical questions, from the historical and philosophical foundations that formed them to the ways they continue to shape our legal systems and moral reasoning today. These classes pushed me to evaluate a range of perspectives rather than search for a single "right" answer. They strengthened my analytical and discussion skills while deepening my interest in law, making them some of the most intellectually engaging classes I've taken here. What made these classes especially memorable, though, were the professors. Their enthusiasm, engaging discussion-based lecture styles, humor, and ability to connect abstract concepts to our world made every lecture interesting, and I learned an incredible amount from both of them.

Career goals

After graduating, I hope to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney. I'm particularly interested in litigation because I enjoy critical thinking, advocacy, and applying theoretical foundations to navigate complex real-world problems.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I love to find balance between cozy night-ins and fun nights out! I'd love to spend my next free night with my close friends, watching a movie over snacks, playing games, crafting, or having a group baking night in my apartment.

High school or secondary school

I attended the United Nations International School of Hanoi in Hanoi, Vietnam until graduation.

Favorite spot on campus

It would undoubtedly be the Rosenfeld Library, located at the Anderson School of Management. The lower level has a beautiful and cozy study space with plenty of natural light, comfortable seating, and a quiet atmosphere that's perfect for getting work done. It's one of my favorite places on campus to study because it's peaceful, less crowded than a lot of the main libraries, and has a great environment to stay focused. Another spot I've been loving is the Kerkhoff Coffee House, which can be both bustling or quiet depending on the time of day. What I love most about it is the cozy smell of coffee and vintage or early 2000s Tuscan-style decoration.